Albinos want military enlistment

By Evelyn Usman
Albino Foundation, weekend, alleged marginalisation over the refusal of the authorities to enlist its members into the military and paramilitary institutions.

However, the foundation has appealed for adequate protection for its members to check possible spread of killings of albinos from East African countries to Nigeria.

Its President, Mr. Jake Epelle, during a visit on the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, in-charge of Zone 11, Onikan, Lagos, Mr. Azubuko Udah, recalled how an albino was denied enlistment into the military, even when he met all the necessary requirements.

The AIG, however, pledged to ensure albinos were protected and given a sense of belonging.

But aside that, he advised that the advocacy be taken to schools and other public places of interest.

He calling on the need for a proactive measures to ensure safety and protection of albinos in the country,

Epelle stated, â€œ our visit presents an opportunity for collaboration with the Nigeria Police to put in place necessary measures for the safety and security of albinos in the country.

This is particularly so, in the wake of persistent killing of albinos in neighbouring east African countries. This made it necessary to take pragmatic steps to ensure that this horrendous act do not spill into Nigeriaâ€.

Aside fear of a possible spread, he hinted also, that albinos were harassed in some parts of the country due to an erroneous believe that their human parts are used for money rituals , a situation he noted had caused fear among albinos across the country.

In addition to fear of being kidnapped or outright killing, he said there had been reported cases of rape, rights denial and abuse, calling for possible ways to address them.

â€œIn the light of these, we earnestly request the Nigeria Police to collaborate with the foundation by creating special units to help vulnerable and marginalised members of our society like albinos, by creating special hotlines, help and counselling centres in all police stations across the country. This will help albinos to confidentially report cases of harassment and seek helpâ€.